Today, diabetes is increasingly impacting the world around us, and Senegal is among the countries with a growing need for insulin. Diabetes is linked to the pancreas’ inability to secrete insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. It helps to convert the sugar in the blood, and without its productivity, the sugar remains stored in the blood, leading to complications. To cure, or at least alleviate, the spikes in hyperglycemia, insulin is needed in Senegal. However, today, more than half of the diabetic patients in Senegal are unaware of their condition, and many suffer from failures in treatment. But what is the state of care? How can care conditions be improved? This is what we will explore in this article.

Why is diabetes a serious condition?

Diabetes, or the lack of insulin production in the body, is a chronic condition that can have serious repercussions on overall health.

Today, it is a problem that affects nearly 400,000 Senegalese. But what is most alarming? As revealed by the organization Lvl Medical, “Only 28% of diabetics are aware of their condition, 14% of them are undergoing treatment, and only 11% are treated and stable.

The problem is that many Senegalese, suffering from a fairly advanced stage of diabetes, have a condition known as “diabetic foot.” It is a very common affliction but remains understudied and therefore insufficiently addressed.

The consequence? Amputations and permanent disabilities.

According to the president of the scientific days commission of Abass Ndao Hospital, Professor Maimouna Ndour Mbaye, “70% of non-traumatic amputations recorded in Senegal are linked to diabetes.

This same doctor states that she performs at least one amputation per day due to diabetes.

Thus, many families see their loved ones depart far too soon, and too many patients are no longer able to provide for their families’ needs.

Patients Who No Longer Wish to Go to the Hospital

Given the risks posed by diabetes and the potentially severe disability that can result, many Senegalese refuse to go to the hospital for treatment.

There are two types of operations: those considered “minor,” which involve amputating only a single toe, and “major” ones, which involve the entire leg.

Although measures are taken post-amputation by fitting prostheses, it’s a risk too few are willing to take.

Yet, the number of diabetics is exploding, with over half of the surgery services occupied by diabetic foot amputations.

Some doctors, like Professor Joseph Drabo, are concerned that many patients are sidelined because “laboratories favor new insulins, presented in pens and cartridges (which are much more expensive), over the vial and syringe presentations, which are most used in Africa.”

How is insulin managed in Senegal?

Comment est prise en charge l'insuline au Sénégal ?

In Senegal, there are three types of insulin: long-acting, rapid-acting, and mixed. Rapid-acting insulin is used for emergency management of diabetes. Long-acting insulin is a single dose that acts over time in the body.

The third type, mixed insulin, is a combination of the first two types.

Regarding distribution within the country, it is split between the private and public sectors.

In the private sector, distribution is mainly through private wholesalers, who in turn distribute it to private pharmacies.

However, the public sector also plays a role. Diabetic support associations ensure the availability of this treatment in hospitals, health centers, and health posts across the country.

This distribution system allows patients to access insulin regularly, although challenges remain in terms of complete coverage and equitable access.

What is the price of insulin in Senegal?

There was a time when the price of insulin was just over 1000 FCFA, but today its price tends to drop a little more each year.

Currently, a 10 ml vial of insulin is sold for 800 FCFA, while a 3 ml pen is priced at 3000 FCFA.

Although there is universal coverage in Senegal, it remains insufficient. Firstly, it does not cover type 2 diabetics, which affects a large portion of the population with this chronic condition.

As a result, many people either refuse treatment or must spend about 75,000 FCFA (approximately $120) each month.

This amount is nearly the average income for many Senegalese (121,021 Francs CFA, about $195) and especially for Senegalese women (90,031 FCFA, about $144).

Since 2021, significant initiatives have been implemented to improve diabetes care in Senegal.

The government announced an increase in insulin subsidies, from a subsidy of 300 million in 2004 to 500 million in 2021, allowing many diabetics to receive care at the same price in both private and public facilities.

What are the insulin-related issues in Senegal?

Access to insulin treatment remains a major challenge for many diabetes patients in Senegal, despite efforts to improve care.

Today, about 3% of patients who have been prescribed treatment for their diabetes still fail to maintain optimal glycemic balance, despite being indicated for appropriate treatments.

This phenomenon is largely due to the discontinuation of oral treatments, often because of the cost and the lack of state subsidies. Indeed, oral treatment is not subsidized by the Senegalese government, unlike injectable insulin, creating a disparity in the financial accessibility of treatments.

Moreover, the country experiences significant disparities in the distribution of insulin. To this day, it is very poorly distributed in the peripheries of major cities and the few available doses are too costly for most patients.

Senegal also experiences severe periods of insulin shortages, which sometimes can last several months.

Finally, although insulin is essential for controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients, it also presents challenges related to its management.

In Senegal, many people are illiterate and there is a significant lack of patient education regarding the self-administration of insulin. Many illiterate patients, especially in rural areas, struggle to understand instructions and to perform injections correctly.

A study by DiabCare Senegal alerted that only 20.5% of surveyed patients owned a personal glucose meter.

This situation exacerbates the risks of diabetes-related complications, as incorrect dosing or administration can lead to serious health consequences.

mDiabetes: a telephony system for people with diabetes in Senegal

Insulin in Senegal

Since 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been working with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to establish innovative services that enable developing countries, like Senegal, to better manage chronic diseases, including diabetes, through the use of mobile phones.

This initiative led to the creation of the mDiabetes platform, a mobile service designed to provide practical advice and personalized monitoring for diabetic patients.

In Senegal, mDiabetes was launched in 2014 during Ramadan, aiming to support diabetics during this fasting period, where disease management becomes more complex.

Since then, this platform has become an essential tool for patients, offering them daily recommendations via SMS.

These messages include advice on diet, physical exercise, and management of diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic foot. The service quickly resonated with Senegalese people, as evidenced by Mariama, a mother of six, who has been diabetic for ten years and uses the program to manage her condition daily.

With messages sent each day, Mariama feels supported in managing her diabetes and can incorporate the advice into her lifestyle, involving her family in the process.

How can the management of insulin in Senegal be improved?

Today, it is vital to find solutions to expedite the implementation of diabetes treatments and the financial accessibility that accompanies them. But how can one send or receive money from Senegal?

Despite the various means already in existence, there is an urgent need for money transfer solutions that not only ensure access to care but also the transparency and traceability of fund use.

In a world where distance can complicate matters, KimboCare presents itself as an innovative solution for immigrants wishing to take care of the health of their loved ones in Senegal.

Imagine being able to offer your family access to quality medical care without the hassle of traditional money transfers, which often lead to delays or uncertainties. Thanks to KimboCare, this reality becomes accessible.

The platform allows you to buy prepaid health credits, specifically for medical services. In just a few clicks, you choose your loved ones as beneficiaries and guarantee them immediate access to essential care. This way, you are assured that your financial support is used directly and transparently for their medical needs, eliminating any ambiguity about the use of the funds.

With carefully selected medical partners across Africa, KimboCare ensures that your loved ones receive the best care, without delays or hidden costs. As soon as you send your credits, they receive a notification by SMS or call, indicating the providers to contact, which allows them easy access to the services they need.

By choosing KimboCare, you are not just making a financial gesture. You are investing in the health and well-being of your loved ones, particularly by ensuring the treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes, while offering them simple and fast access to quality medical care.

The Importance of Prevention to Improve Health Conditions

It is crucial to discuss your health and your diabetes. Do not wait for complications to arise before taking action.

Education about the disease and awareness are key elements for better diabetes management.

Inform yourself, discuss with your family and friends, and do not hesitate to share your experiences. This collective mobilization can not only improve your quality of life but also that of your loved ones.

By talking about your needs, you also encourage those around you to take their health seriously. Sharing information about diabetes and its treatments can motivate others to get diagnosed, which is crucial to avoid serious complications from this silent killer.

Together, you can build an informed and proactive community, capable of facing this disease.

FAQ

1. Why is access to insulin still difficult in Senegal ?

Access to insulin in Senegal is hindered by several factors, including the uneven distribution of medications between large cities and rural areas, periods of shortage, and the high cost of treatments for many patients. Additionally, injectable insulin is often favored over oral treatments, which can limit access to care for those who cannot afford these treatments.

2. How much does insulin cost in Senegal, and is it accessible to everyone?

The price of insulin has decreased in recent years, with a 10 ml vial sold for 800 FCFA and a 3 ml pen for 3000 FCFA. However, these prices remain inaccessible for many Senegalese, especially those living in rural areas. Moreover, universal coverage does not support type 2 diabetics, which is a major barrier.

3. What types of insulin are available in Senegal?

There are three types of insulin used to treat diabetes in Senegal: rapid-acting, long-acting, and mixed insulin. Rapid-acting insulin is used for emergencies, long-acting insulin is administered once a day for prolonged effect, and mixed insulin combines the previous two for more flexible blood sugar management.

4. How can I help my relatives in Senegal access insulin?

An innovative solution is the use of platforms like KimboCare, which allows expatriates to purchase digital health credits for their relatives in Senegal. These credits can be used to directly access medical treatments, including insulin, ensuring that the money sent is indeed used for necessary care.

5. What efforts are being made to improve the management of diabetes and insulin in Senegal?

The Senegalese government has implemented initiatives to improve diabetes care, including an increase in insulin subsidies. However, additional efforts are needed to ensure better distribution of treatments, especially in peripheral areas, and to strengthen patient education on insulin self-administration, particularly in rural zones.